The only way to travel up a mountain without stopping or getting so tired you can’t pedal any further is with an electric bike. What if it was possible to convert your old mountain bike into an electric one?
This is the process of turning your old MTB ride into a powerful e-bike and converting that spare battery that you have sitting around collecting dust.
Can You Convert a Mountain Bike to an Electric Bike?
Yes, you can convert a mountain bike to an electric bike. There are a variety of ways to electrify your existing bike for assistance up those hills. You can find conversion kits online or at your local bike shop.
A competent home mechanic can convert many bikes if you’re feeling handy and have an afternoon spare. The most important thing is ensuring your new electric motor is compatible with your mountain bike frame and suspension setup.
Why convert your MTB to an e-bike?
There are a few reasons you might want to convert your mountain bike to an electric bike. Maybe you live in a hilly area and want assistance when climbing, or perhaps you want to be able to keep up with faster friends on group rides.
Whatever the reason, it’s definitely possible to turn your MTB into an e-bike – but there are a few things you need to bear in mind before starting the conversion process.
One of the main considerations is where you’ll mount the battery. You can fit a battery on a full-suspension mountain bike, but this will significantly reduce stand-over height. Fitting a battery on a full-suspension bike can be a tight squeeze.
Some people choose to mount the battery on the underside of the downtube, but this too presents its problems – if you have a fair bit of travel in your front forks then it’s possible the tyre will rub on the battery casing when braking downhill or going over bumps.
A seat post-mounted battery would work in some instances unless you have a dropper post fitted. Another option is to carry the battery in a backpack with a long power lead, but I’m not a fan of this because of potential safety hazards (particularly if you fall off).
The best option would be to have a smaller, custom-built battery pack that fits neatly into the frame.
Another thing to consider is the motor you’ll use. There are two main types of motors – hub motors and mid-drive motors. Hub motors are usually cheaper and easier to install, but they’re not as efficient as mid-drive motors.
Mid-drive motors are more expensive and harder to install, but they offer the better climbing ability and are more efficient when pedalling – meaning you’ll get more range from your battery.
Whichever route you choose, converting your mountain bike to an electric bike is a great way to get around without breaking a sweat.
How to Convert Your Mountain Bike to an Electric Bike in four steps
1. Swap the bike tyres and tube
In order to convert your mountain bike to an electric bike, you will need to first remove the tyre and tube from your current front wheel and then install them on the new wheel from the kit.
Make sure to check if the tyre is directional, if it is, ensure that the tyre is mounted so that the cable sticking out of the hub is on the left-hand side (non-drive side) when the wheel is installed in the bike – otherwise it’ll be powered in the opposite direction to your direction of travel.
To swap the tyre and tube over, you will need some tyre levers and a pump. Check that the brakes are correctly adjusted for the new wheel.
2. Attach the bracket to the handlebars
In order to attach the bracket to the handlebars, you need to use the included adaptors if your handlebars are a little skinnier. You also need to clamp the bracket tightly to the bars and screw the bracket to the bars.
3. Attach magnet disc and sensor
The next step is to attach the magnet disc and sensor to your bike. The magnet disc goes on the spokes of your wheel, and the sensor attaches to the frame of your bike.
You’ll need to make sure that the magnet disc is lined up with the sensor so that they can communicate with each other. Once they’re attached, you can move on to installing the wheel.
Installing the wheel is pretty straightforward – you need to put the disc rotor, tyre and inner tube in place. Make sure that the rotor is properly aligned with the sensor, so that it can pick up the signal from the magnet disc. Once the wheel is in place, you can install the cadence sensor.
The cadence sensor goes on the crank arm of your bike, and it helps to measure how fast you’re pedaling.
It’s important to get the sensor installed in the right place, so that it can accurately measure your pedaling speed. Once the sensor is in place, you can install the battery and LCD display.
The battery goes on the frame of your bike, and the LCD display mounts on the handlebars. Make sure that the battery is properly secured, so that it doesn’t come loose while you’re riding. Once the battery is in place, you can turn on the power and start riding.
4. Plug in the cables
Now that the motor is installed, it’s time to plug in the power and cadence sensor cables. The thick power cable plugs into the motor, and the cadence sensor cable plugs into the sensor box. Use cable ties to tidy up the lengths of the cables.
Next, install the brake sensor upgrade kit. This will allow you to use the motor’s regenerative braking feature. Finally, convert your mountain bike to an electric bike!
5. Test drive
Now that you’ve converted your mountain bike to an electric bike, it’s time to take it for a spin. But before you do, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure that all the parts on your bike are working properly and that the bike is in good condition. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire! Second, charge the battery for the first time before you test rides the bike.
This will help ensure that you have enough power to get where you’re going. Third, if you have drop bars on your mountain bike, you’ll need to fit the throttle. Fourth, if your bike has levers and throttles, you’ll need to fit a conversion kit.
And fifth, always test-ride your bike in a safe area before taking it out on the open road. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your first electric bike experience is a positive one.
What to look for In The best Mountain bike for ebike conversion.
Frame material – Aluminum or Steel
The frame material is either aluminum or steel. Steel frames are more durable than aluminum frames. The weight of the battery and motor is not that important, as the bike will be loaded with pounds of battery and motor weight.
Carbon fiber frames may prevent the motor from fitting, which can be fixed by removing some carbon from the frame or material from the motor.
Wheel size – 26 inch, 29 inch or 26inch fat bike
The wheel size for a mountain bike conversion is usually 27.5 or 29 inches. A 26 inch wheel is the standard size for most adult mountain bikes.
A 29 inch wheel is larger and will make pedaling easier, but the bike will be more difficult to maneuver. A 26 inch fat bike has wider tires that can provide more traction and stability on rough terrain.
Axle spacing- Regular
Mountain bikes have come a long way in recent years, with new standards and axle spacings. Most new mountain bikes have “boost” spacing, which is wider than traditional spacing.
Boost spacing allows for wider tires and wheels, and provides more strength and stiffness for the frame. However, boost spacing is not compatible with ebike conversion kits. You will need to find a mountain bike with regular (no boost) spacing.
Most mountain bikes under $1000 will have regular spacing. You can also look for frames and forks with thru-bolt front or rear axles. These will not work with ebike conversion kits either.
Thru-bolts axles are found on higher-end (over $1000) mountain bikes and are much larger diameters than quick-release or bolt-on axles.
In summary, you will need to find a mountain bike frame and fork with regular (no boost) spacing and quick release or bolt-on axles.
Speeds – 7 rear cogs
The best mountain bike for ebike conversion has 7 rear cogs. This is because the mountain bike needs to have a wide range of gears to be able to handle the power of the motor. The mountain bike should also have 26inch, 29inch or 26inch fat bike wheels.
These wheels will be able to handle the weight of the motor and the battery. The mountain bike should also have regular axle spacing. This is so that the motor can be mounted in the middle of the bike.
The mountain bike should also have a front suspension or fully rigid. This is so that the bike can absorb the bumps from the road. The mountain bike should also have cable-operated disc brakes. These brakes will be able to stop the bike quickly.
Suspension – front suspension only
When looking for a mountain bike to convert into an ebike, it is best to find one with front suspension only. This is because cheap bikes do not have well-designed suspensions and they can hurt pedaling efficiency.
Additionally, full-suspension mountain bikes can be a lot more challenging and rarely have enough space to fit a battery due to the rear suspension unit. Fitting a battery on a full-suspension bike can be a tight squeeze.
Some people choose to mount the battery on the underside of the downtube, but this too presents its problems – if you have a fair bit of travel in your front forks then it’s possible the tyre will rub on the battery casing when braking downhill or going over bumps.
Brakes – disc cable operated
When choosing a mountain bike for ebike conversion, it is important to look for a bike with cable-operated disc brakes. Disc brakes are more powerful than rim brakes and are less likely to overheat on long descents.
They also offer more control and stopping power in wet and muddy conditions. Cable-operated disc brakes are easier to set up and maintain than hydraulic disc brakes.
What Are the Benefits of Converting Your Mountain Bike to an Electric Bike?
There are many benefits of converting your mountain bike to an electric bike. The conversion process is relatively easy and does not require a lot of time or money. With an electric bike conversion kit, you will be able to ditch the car on a regular basis.
This can help you save money on car running costs. In addition, the electric bike conversion kit is a great way to motivate yourself to exercise more. It is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Changing your mountain bike to an Electric Bike?
There are a few disadvantages to keep in mind before you decide to convert your mountain bike into an electric bike. The main disadvantage is the cost of the conversion kit and the effort required to install it.
There are also practical considerations, such as retaining the ability to use the bike as a ‘normal’ bike. You will have to weigh these disadvantages against the advantages of having an electric bike before you make your decision.
Top 5 Recommended Electric conversion kits for mountain bikes
Bafang Mid-Drive Motor Kit and Battery
The Bafang Mid-Drive Motor Kit is a popular electric conversion kit that is suitable for mountain bikes. It comes with a 500w battery and can be customized with different chainring sizes, battery sizes, and displays.
You can also choose to have a front or rear motor. This kit is easy to install and is a great option for those looking to convert their mountain bike into an electric bike.
Tongsheng Mid-Drive Kit with Battery
The Tongsheng Mid-Drive Kit with Battery is a great option for mountain bikes because of its smooth power delivery and torque sensor-based pedal assist. The motor is mid-mounted, which helps with weight distribution, and it is paired with a torque sensor.
This makes the bike easy to use and provides a natural feeling pedal assist. The battery is also easy to access and recharge, making it a great option for mountain biking.
Bafang Front Hub Motor kit and Battery
The Bafang Front Hub Motor kit and Battery is a great choice for those looking to convert their mountain bike to an electric one. It comes with a powerful motor and a high-capacity battery, making it ideal for tackling steep hills and trails.
It also has an LCD display that shows your speed, distance, and remaining battery life, so you can always keep track of your progress. The kit includes everything you need for the conversion, and it’s relatively easy to install.
Swytch Universal Electric Bike Conversion Kit
The Swytch Universal Electric Bike Conversion Kit is easy to install and follow European regulations. The Swytch Universal Electric Bike Conversion Kit includes a battery, lights, and cadence sensor.
The Swytch Universal Electric Bike Conversion Kit is available at a discounted price on Amazon. The Swytch Universal Electric Bike Conversion Kit is easy to take with you and avoids theft.
Cytronex C1 Electric Bike Conversion Kit
The Cytronex C1 Electric Bike Conversion Kit is a great option for those looking to convert their mountain bike into an electric bike.
The kit is available pre-installed on a bike or on its own and includes a motor that conforms to the regulations applicable in the UK, EU or the US (be sure to select the correct region before buying). You can also choose between disc or rim brakes and select the correct wheel size.
The battery sits where a water bottle would normally go and the rider interacts with the system through a control button. The Cytronex C1 is easy to install and some people will even be able to take advantage of the factory installation package.
What to Consider When Converting Your Mountain Bike to an Electric Bike
You should consider a few things before converting your mountain bike to an electric bike. First, if you expect to use the bike as a ‘normal’ bike, then a kit that can simply be folded out of the way might be perfect.
Second, if you don’t have a bike, the cost of buying a bike, buying an electric bike conversion kit and fitting it, is probably not going to be worth the time, effort, or money involved.
Third, if your current bike is in reasonable repair, then the value for money – and effort – will be greater.
Fourth, the amount of use you get out of it will depend on the amount of motivation you have. Fifth, there are ways to work out whether the investment is worth it.
Conclusion
Based on the key points, it can be concluded that you can save money by buying an e-bike conversion kit and converting your traditional mountain bike to an electric bike.
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